Bowling ball cleaner



Sept. 24, 1968 s. s. BERLIN BOWLING BALL CLEANER 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 1, 1966 mm TL NR 5 V W8 3 Y E N m S mm mm mm ATTORNEYS P 4, 1968 s. s. BERLIN 3,402,415

BOWLING BALL CLEANER Filed June 1, 1966 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. SIDNEY S. BERLIN /(M7, rMMuq- HJd -f-L ATTO R N EYS Sept. 24, 1968 I s. s. BERLIN 3,402,415

BOWLING BALL CLEANER Filed June 1, 1966 3 SheetsSheet 5 INVENTOR. SIDNEY S. BERLIN ATTOR NEYS United States Patent 3,402,415 BOWLING BALL CLEANER Sidney 5. Berlin, Hoods Pond Cabin, Ipswich, Mass. 01938 Filed June 1, 1966, Ser. No. 554,500 Claims. (Cl. -97) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE .This invention is a machine for cleaning a plurality of bowling balls simultaneously, the bowling balls being inserted in the machine to rest against a pair of parallel, oppositely disposed rotating shafts, the shafts turning the balls. The balls are aligned longitudinally in the apparatus and are separated by means of upstanding partitions each of which is covered with a soft cleaning pad which may be removed for cleaning the pad itself once it gets dirty. Overlying the bowling balls is a hinged top which contains a loop of cleaning cloth for each ball, the loops and pads being so proportioned and disposed that when the balls are rotated, the loops of cleaning cloth and the pads thoroughly scrub and clean the balls.

This invention relates to semi-automatic bowling ball cleaners and polishers, and in particular to such devices in which the ball is placed in contact with the cleaning and polishing means and is then rotated in order to scrub the surface of the ball and polish it.

In the operation of bowling alleys, it often becomes necessary to clean and polish the bowling balls. While there are several machines known for doing this semiautomatically, nevertheless these machines apparently have not found ready acceptance because of one reason or another. Instead, most operators of bowling alleys clean and polish the balls by hand, which is a time consuming and thus relatively expensive operation, particularly in large bowling alleys. The machines that have been known in the prior art have been machines in which rotating brushes, for example, are used to scrub the ball, the latter being either held stationary or allowed to rotate, in order to clean and polish the balls. It is believed that such machines have not found widespread acceptance for numerous reasons, among which are to be noted the difficulty of maintaining the machines, their initial expense, and the expense of renewing the brushes or polishing means used in the machines.

Therefore, it is the general purpose of this invention to provide an improved apparatus for cleaning and polishing bowling balls, which comprises a base having thereon compartments to receive a plurality of bowling balls which are rotated, and while they are being rotated, they are automatically cleaned and polished. The apparatus is adaptable to handling a single ball or a plurality thereof, and the cleaning and polishing materials are easily maintained.

Among the several objects and advantages of the invention, therefore, may be noted the following: the provision of improved apparatus for cleaning and polishing bowling balls semi-automatically; the provision of apparatus of the above class which is adapted to handle a plurality of bowling balls simultaneously, therefore shortening the length of time per ball; the provision of apparatus of the above kinds in which means are provided for spraying cleaner and polishing media on a bowling ball while it is being treated; the provision of apparatus of any of the above kinds in which the balls are rotated, and while being rotated are wiped over their entire surfaces by cleaning and polishing means; the provision of apparatus of the last named class in which the cleaning and polishing means are readily removable for washing, and readily positionable in the machine to perform their functions; the provision of apparatus of any of the above classes which is easily constructed in several different sizes both as to the size of the bowling ball to which it is adapted, and also as to the members of individual cleaning stations that may be within the apparatus; and the provision of apparatus of any of the above classes which is economical to make, and simple to operate and maintain. Other objects and advantages will be in part apparent and in part pointed out in the following description.

The invention accordingly comprises the elements and combinations of elements, features of construction, arrangements of parts, and manipulation. of the apparatus all of which will be exemplified in the structures hereinafter set forth, and the scope of the application of which will be indicated in the appended claims.

In the accompanying drawings, in which one of the various possible embodiments of the invention is illustrated:

FIG. 1 is a sectional side elevation of the machine, taken in the direction of sight lines 11 on FIG. 2;

FIG. 2 is a sectional end view of the machine taken in the direction of sight lines 2--2 on FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a portion of the machine, given to show in greater detail the construction and relationship of certain operative parts thereof.

Similar reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. Dimensions of certain of the parts as shown in the drawin-gs may have been modified and/or exaggerated for the purposes of clarity of illustration.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a sectional side view of one embodiment of the invention which comprises a container indicated generally by numeral 2, the container in this embodiment comprising a box having the bottom or base 4, back and front walls 6 and 8, and end walls 10 and 12. The container is provided with a cover member indicated generally by numeral 14 which matches, conventionally, the cross-sectional shape of the container and serves the function of closing the container while the balls are being cleaned and polished, thus containing within the confines of the container any excess cleaning and polishing compound which is not deposited on the balls from the spraying vents which will be described later.

For ease and economy in assembling, the container 2 consists of a framework of square steel tubing such as is indicated by numerals 16 and 18, this tubing being suitlably welded together in conventional manner to form the framework, tubing 1-6 being longitudinal members, and tubing 18 being cross members. The container (other than the cover 14) which is made of folded metal such as sheet metal in conventional manner) is provided with an upper portion indicated generally by numeral 20 and a lower or bottom portion 22. The ends, sides and bottom are fastened to the tubular framework in conventional manner.

In thus describing the invention, it is to be noted that the construction of the container is not a part of this invention and will follow conventional practice. The above construction is given merely to show a container structure that can be economically and readily manufactured.

Front wall 8, for convenient access to the lower portion 22 of the container, may be hinged conventionally to the lower tubular member 16, and a suitable catch pro vided to maintain this wall closed if desired.

A U-shaped length of angle iron 24 is fastened as by welding or bolting at each end to two of the cross memhers 18 as shown, and serves as a support means for various other parts of the apparatus as will now be described.

A series of upright partition members 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, and 40 is provided, these being suitably bent angle iron brackets, the base of each being attached to the support member 24. These partition members may be permanently fastened to the support 24, as shown, or they may be attached by conventional bolt and slot arrangements so as to be individually adjustable. It is preferred that they be attached permanently if the apparatus is to be used for one size bowling ball. On the other hand, if the same apparatus is to be used for different bowling balls, then these partition members may be adjustably fastened to the support member 24 in order to slide toward each other and away from each other. Partition members 26-40 are mounted in upright position, and are so dimensioned that over their upper ends may be slid cleaning and polishing members 42. Members 42 are made in the form of mittens from sheepskin which still has the wool on it, and are so formed that the wool is on the exterior. Mittens 42 may be fastened onto the partition members by means of drawstrings at their open lower end, or they may be made a snug fit over the partitions 26-40; in the latter instance, it will be found that the snug fit will maintain them in place.

The partitions 26-40 are so spaced apart that when a typical bowling ball 44 is inserted between a pair thereof, the bowling ball is engaged between opposed mitten surfaces with a frictional grip, but one which permits the ball to rotate, the ball being scrubbed by the mittens as it rotates. With this engagement, it will be found that due to the length of the wool, an appreciable portion of the periphery of the ball will be brought in contact with the surfaces of the mittens 42.

A pair of rotating shafts 46 and 48 are mounted in conventional bearings 50, one at each end of the shafts, the bearing members 50 being mounted on the outer cross frame members 18 as shown in FIG. 2. The shafts 46 and 48 extend the length of the container 2, and it will be noted that they are positioned adjacent the bottom portions of the mittens 42, and one shaft is on each side of the mittens.

The above shafts are provided with sleeves 52 of resilient material, such as rubber, which are fixed to the shafts so as to rotate therewith. A pair of sleeves is thus provided for each space between the partition members, one on each side of the space. The shafts are so located that when a bowling ball 44 is centered between a pair of mittens 42, the bowling ball will rest on the resilient sleeves 52, and thus when the sleeves are rotated in the same direction, the frictional engagement of the sleeves on the bowling ball will cause the bowling ball to rotate. Sleeves 52 are preferably provided with longitudinal slots 54 (see FIG. 3) to assist in spreading cleaning and polishing compound on the balls.

A motor 56 is mounted on the bottom 4, and pulleys 58 are mounted as shown on an end of each of the shafts 48 and 46. A belt 60 is trained on the pulleys 58 and on a pulley 62 which is mounted on the shaft of the motor. The belt 60 traverses the pulleys 58 in the same direction so that when the motor turns, the pulleys rotate in the same direction and thus turn the shafts 46 and 48 in the same direction to rotate the balls. The motor 56 may suitably be one that rotates at a speed of 1725 rpm. The pulleys 58 and 62 are the same diameter, so that the shafts rotate at the speed of the motor. Due to the difference in diameters of the sleeves 52 and balls 44, the latter will rotate more slowly than the shafts, and at a preferred speed of 350-400 r.p.m.

Two upright support members 64 are mounted on the container, preferably on the same cross members 18 which support the U-shaped support bar 24, the support members being located adjacent the back wall 6 of the container. A framework or spider indicated generally by numeral 66 is provided and comprises a plurality of transverse arms 68 of generally bowed or arcuate configuration, arms 68 being held in spaced parallel relation by means of connecting rods 70, 72, and 74. Rods 70 and 74 are fastened to the ends of the transverse arms, and rod 72 is fastened at the approximate center of the arms, as shown. Fastening may be done by providing holes in the arms to receive the rods, and the latter are then welded in place. It is to be noted, however, that if the partition members 26-40 are made adjustable, then the transverse arms must likewise be made adjustable on their connecting rods, as by providing set-screws in the transverse arms which engage the rods to hold the arms in their adjustable position. The ends of connecting rod 70 are pivoted in the supports 64 so that the whole spider or framework 66 may be swung upwards and downwards, that is, away from or toward the partition members 26- 40 and balls contained therebetween. It will be noted that as many arms 68 are provided as there are partitions 26- 40, and that each arm overlies its respective partition but is bowed enough so that it does not touch the top of the partition.

A series of loops or belts 76 of cleaning and polishing material are mounted upon the connecting rods 70-74, one for each space between the partition members, these loops or belts being held on the connecting rods by having their ends provided with a fastening means such as a zipper 78', the loops enveloping the rods. When the belts become dirty, their ends may be conveniently unfastened so that they may be individually removed and washed. The belts 76 are a loose fit on the connecting rods, so that when the framework 66 is lowered downwardly over any balls between the mittens, the lower reach of the loop envelopes enough of the ball surface to overlap the portions thereof enveloped by the mittens. Thus, as a given ball 44 is rotated within the space provided by the pertinent pair of mittens, the surface of the ball is completely in contact (because of its rotation) with the wool of the sheepskin of the mittens and the overlying loop or belt 76.

It will be noted, particularly by reference to FIG. 2, that the ends of the transverse arms which are pivoted on the container are so mounted that when the frame work 66 is lowered to bring the loops 76 in contact with the balls, the plane defined by the rods 70 and 74 is inclined at an acute angle to the base 4, and passes between the top of the balls and their centers. It will also be noted that the balls are rotated clockwise (as viewed in FIG. 2). As a result of the friction between the contacting reach of the loop 76 on the top portions of the ball surface, a moment will be induced on the transverse arms clockwise about the pivot point of the rod 70, this moment inducing a force bringing the loops 76 in stronger engagement with their respective balls.

Another motor 78 is provided on the base, which drives a pump 80 in conventional manner, the pump 80 being adapted to pump under constant pressure a combined cleaning and polishing compound which is readily available on the market today. A container 82 is mounted on the bottom 4, and a conduit 84 leads from the container 82 to the pump 80. Another conduit 86 leads from the outlet of the pump to a pressure valve 88, then to a distributing valve 90 and thereafter by conduit 92 back to the container 82. Motor 78 is operated at such speed as to maintain a desired pressure in the closed system thus provided by the container 82, pump 80, and conduits 84, 86 and 92.

From distribution valve 90 a conduit 92 leads to a manually actuable valve 94, and from the latter a conduit 96 extends through the partition members so as to underlie balls positioned in the spaces between the mittens. A series of vents 98 are provided in conduit 96, one vent being provided for each ball being cleaned and polished. If desired, instead of the vents 98, atomizing heads may be provided, these being mounted on the conduit 96 so as to point upwardly toward bowling balls which are positioned in the machine.

From the above, it is obvious that when the valve 94 is open, cleaning fluid will be ejected from the vents 98 and deposited on the bowling balls.

The operation of the device is as follows: With the apparatus empty of bowling balls, the framework 66 1s swung upwardly and backwardly in order to open the spaces between the several partition members 2640. With the framework up, one or more 'balls are placed in the container, one in each of the compartments established by any given pair of the partitions 26-40. The framework 66 is then lowered downwardly in order to bring the underneath reach of the loops 76 to rest against the top of the balls.

Motor 78 is now started in order to establish pressure in the cleaner-polisher system, and motor 56 is started in order to turn the shafts 46 and 48 to rotate the balls. The valve 94 is momentarily opened in order to spray upon the balls a small quantity of the cleaning and polishing solution, and then the balls are rotated so that the desired clean and polished finish may be produced on the balls. Once this has been obtained, then the motor 56 is stopped, and the treated balls are removed. Further dirty balls are then placed in the machine for cleaning and polishing.

In regard to the pump 80 and the cleaner-polisher hydraulic system, it is not necessary to stop the motor 78 each time that the motor 56 is stopped. It a fairly continuous operation is to be used with a large number of balls to be cleaned and polished, then motor 78 is permitted to continue to run to maintain pressure in the cleaner-polisher system.

The valve 90 performs a dual function, in that it acts as a lead-off point for the conduit 92, and it also is a valve by means of which the amount of cleaner and polisher flowing into the conduit 92 and through the various vents or atomizer heads may be controlled.

Connections to the motors are conventional and will not be detailed herein. If desired, a reel '99 of conventional nature may be provided as a take-up mechanism for the extension cord 100 which serves to connect the apparatus into an electric outlet, connections to the motor being made by conventional means from the reel 99.

If desired, and as shown, the container may be mounted on castors (as shown) for easy movability to a desired spot, or for storage during those periods when balls are not being cleaned.

It is also to be noted that the machine is capable of cleaning a plurality of 'balls at once, and in operation it is found that the balls are cleaned and polished in a matter of two or three minutes. Further, it requires little effort to load and unload the apparatus, and as pointed out, the several cleaning and polishing elements may be readily removed for washing when they become dirty, and put back in place on the machine. The balls at no time rely on cradling, and the motion of the balls during cleaning is a free motion which is not impaired by the action of the sheepskin mittens 42 and the belts or loops 76 sufficiently to prevent rotation. The ball cleaning and polishing fluid is controlled by the operator, and as much or as little as is needed may thus be applied to the balls.

In view of the above it will be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings, since the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

As many changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings, shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense, and it is also intended that the appended claims shall cover all such equivalent variations as come within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Having described the invention, what is claimed is: 1. apparatus for cleaning and polishing bowling balls comprising: a base; means for holding a plurality of balls in alignment on the base and against lateral movement while permitting each ball to rotate freely, said means including a pair of removable cleaning pads, one each on diametrically opposite sides of the ball in the direction of said alignment; top cleaning means mounted on the base and being movably positionable to lie over the top of each ball to envelope 2. portion of the surface thereof and to be movable away from the balls to permit insertion into, and removal of, the balls from the apparatus;

rotatable means on the base for supporting the balls and rotating the latter freely between said cleaning pads and underneath said top cleaning means;

spray means for applying a quantity of cleaning and polishing solution. to each ball; and

a motor mounted on the base for rotating said rotatable means.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 including an open framework having a bowed cross-sectional shape concave downwardly toward the means for holding the ball, said framework being pivotally mounted by a rear edge on the base and adapted to be swung away from said means for holding the balls, and said top cleaning means comprising a loop of soft flexible material surrounding the framework, the lower reach of the loop being adapted to cover a top portion of a ball when the framework is swung toward the means for holding the ball.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said rotatable means comprises a pair of spaced parallel rotatable shafts extending between the said means for holding the ball, the shafts being positioned below the centers of the cleaning pads, and one shaft on each side thereof, each shaft being covered with a sleeve of resilient material in the length thereof between said pads.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 in which the spray means comprises a hydraulic constant pressure system containing a cleaning and polishing solution, and a conduit leading therefrom and extending into the space between said pads, the conduit being provided with a vent for the escape of said solution, and a valve for controlling the flow of solution through the conduit.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 in which the means for holding balls on the base comprises a plurality of upstanding partition members supported on the base in spaced parallel relation along the length of the base, said cleaning pads comprise removable mittens of soft and flexible material covering each side of the upper portions of the partition members, each of said mittens serving as cleaning and polishing members for balls in adjacent spaces between partition members.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 in which said mittens comprise wool-covered sheepskin with the wool on the outside of the mittens.

7. The apparatus of claim 2 in which said framework comprises a plurality of bowed transverse members with their concave side downwardly, and. connecting rods fastened to said members at the ends and centers thereof to hold said members in spaced parallel relationship along the length of the base, said members being spaced apart approximately the same distance as said partition members and one of said members overlying a partition member; and said loop comprises a length of wool-covered sheepskin with the wool on the outside, the ends of the length being detachably fastened together, the width of the loop being approximately the same as the distance between opposed mittens, and the loop enveloping at least the connecting rods at the ends of the transverse members.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 in which the framework is pivotally attached to the base by the edge defined by connecting rod at one end of the transverse members, the plane defined by the connecting rods at the ends of the transverse members lying above the center of a ball in the space between opposed mittens but below the top thereof, and being inclined at an acute angle to the horizontal plane containing the center of the ball whereby, when the ball is rotated, a moment is induced in the framework about the connecting rod pivoting the framework to the base, said moment causing a force to be exerted by the lower reach of the loop against the surface of the ball.

9. Apparatus for simultaneously cleaning and polishing a plurality of bowling balls comprising:

a base;

a plurality of upstanding partition members mounted on the base along the length thereof, the planes of said members being transverse to said length and said members being spaced apart in parallel relationship a distance approximately equal to the diameter of balls to be cleaned and polished;

a cleaning and polishing mitten removably mounted on the upper end of each of said partition members and adapted to engage opposite surfaces of a ball placed between any pair of said members, said mitten being of wool-covered sheepskin with the wool on the outside;

an elongated framework extending over said partition members and being mounted on the base so as to be movable toward and away from said partition members, the framework comprising a plurality of transverse members held in spaced parallel relationship by connecting rods attached to the ends thereof, the transverse members being bowed with their convex side upward, and each such member overlying a partition member;

a cleaning and polishing member removably mounted on said framework and being adapted to engage the top portions of the surface of a ball placed between said partition members, one of said polishing members being provided for each pair of partition members and each member comprising a loop of woolcovered sheepskin with the wool outside, the loop enveloping the connecting rods at each end of the transverse members;

a pair of drive shafts extending past the partition members and rotatably supported on bearings mounted on the base, one each of the drive shafts being mounted at each side of the partition members and along the lower portions thereof, whereby, when a ball is placed between a pair of mittens, the ball is rotatably positioned therebetween;

sleeves of resilient material mounted on said shafts and rotatable therewith, each shaft having a sleeve between each pair of said partition members, the sleeves being adapted to support and rotate a ball placed thereon when the shafts are rotated;

a container for cleaning and polishing solution;

a pump adapted to pump cleaning and polishing fluid from the container through a closed system;

a conduit from the system adjacent the spaces between the partition members and having a plurality of vents, one for each such space, the vents being adapted to spray said fluid on balls rotating between respective pairs of mittens;

a control device actuable to release said fluid to the vents; and

a motor mounted on the base and connected operatively with the drive shafts to rotate them in the same direction.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 in which the framework is pivotally attached to the base by the edge defined by the connecting rod at one end of the transverse members, the plane defined by the connecting rods at both ends of the transverse members lying above the center of a ball in the space between opposed mittens but below the top thereof, and being inclined at an acute angle to the hori Zontal plane containing the center of the ball whereby, when the ball is rotated, a moment is induced in the framework about the connecting rod pivoting the framework to the container, said moment causing a force to be exerted by the lower reach of the loop against the surface of the ball.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,572,464 10/1951 Freitas 1521.1 2,588,714 3/1952 Fleming l521.1 X 2,735,142 2/1956 Noiles 15-256.52 3,150,392 9/1964 Molander 1521.1 X

FOREIGN PATENTS 761,637 11/1956 Great Britain.

CHARLES A. WILLMUTH, Primary Examiner. LEON G. MACHLIN, Assistant Examiner. 

